Prague Castle
The Prague Castle (Prazsky hrad) was founded around 880 by prince Borivoj of the Premyslid dynasty. The first stone building in the castle area was the Church of the Virgin Mary of which only remnants can be seen today. In the 10th century, St. George's Basilica was founded and the first Czech convent was established there - St. George's Convent, which now houses a gallery. St. Vitus Rotunda, also from the 10th century, was replaced by St. Vitus Basilica in the 11th century, and it is where St. Vitus Cathedral stands today.
Starting in the 10th century, the Prague Castle served as the seat of Czech princes and later kings, and the seat of the Prague bishop.
The Prague Castle experienced one of its greatest periods during the reign of Charles IV (1346-1378) when it became the seat of the Holy Roman Emperor. The Royal Palace was rebuilt, the fortifications were strengthened, and the construction of St. Vitus Cathedral was initiated, following the style of Gothic French cathedrals of the time.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is a stone Gothic bridge that connects the Old Town and Lesser Town (Mala Strana).It was actually called the Stone Bridge (Kamenny most) during its first several centuries.
Its construction was commissioned by Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and began in 1357. In charge of the construction was architect Petr Parler whose other works include the St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle. It is said that egg yolks were mixed into the mortar to strengthen the construction of the bridge.
Old Town
Old Town Square ("Staromestske namesti" or familiarly "Staromak" in Czech), the oldest and historically most significant square in Prague, is according to many people one of the most beautiful European squares. Not only was it the venue of numerous dramatic historical events, but it is incredibly beautiful and charming. The Old Town Square is nowadays still Prague's beating heart.
Located between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge and covering an area of over 9 thousand square metres, the Old Town Square is bordered by many interesting historical buildings and is definitely one of the top "must-see" places to visit when you travel to the Czech Republic. When you go there, reserve a lot of time, because there is so much to see and do at the square.
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